Thumbs up to the Central Maine Power crews, emergency workers and Public Works employees for their diligent response after the storm last Thursday night. The violent winds knocked out electricity to 45,000 homes in southern Maine and took down many trees, while the heavy rains flooded out roads and yards. It is the dedication of those who put life back in order after unpleasant events that keeps things running smoothly.

Thumbs down to Gov. John Baldacci’s unyielding resolve to avoid a statewide tax increase, which has decision makers wringing their hands over their two options: Raise local taxes or fees astronomically or make drastic cuts to programs. School departments and social services seem to be the hardest hit due to the governor’s decision; Planned Parenthood is considering closing down either its Biddeford or Sanford clinics because of the budget loss. Local officials have made it clear that they would rather see a statewide tax increase ”“ one that sees tourists contributing as well ”“ than put the entire burden on local townspeople. If Baldacci thinks his legacy will be one of honor for not having raised taxes, he is mistaken. Instead, he will be remembered for dropping the ax on important programs and forcing locals to dig deeper into their pockets to fund what’s left.

Thumbs up to the fewer than 60 Kennebunk residents who showed up to vote at the special Town Meeting for the Lower Village TIF district last Wednesday. While some may be frustrated that voter participation is so low, Selectman Robert Higgins’ comment was right on target ”“ that those who cared enough to show up are the ones who should make the decision. Their approval of the district will hopefully be a boon to Lower Village, with sidewalk and lighting improvements that will draw new business and new customers.

Thumbs up to developers Caleb Johnson and David Flood for their vision to build up Biddeford’s downtown by actively pursuing businesses to draw them into the area. The two recently purchased the former Potter’s building on Main street, joining others who have invested in the district with a vision of a prosperous future. For their sake and the city’s, we hope it comes true.

Thumbs down to the proposal to cut the elementary Spanish program from the Regional School Unit 21 schools. This program is only a few years old and was only introduced at Mildred L. Day School this year. Learning a second language, especially Spanish, is a very important part of education in this country as our immigrant population grows ”“ and studies have shown that there is no better time to learn a language than as a child. Eliminating this program does a great disservice to the children. It is something that should have been part of the curriculum years ago and it would be a shame to lose it now. Budget cuts should skirt core subjects that will help students become leaders in the future and focus instead on auxiliary offerings.

Thumbs up to the community involvement with the Department of Transportation’s planning process for Route 9 improvements. The underground pedestrian tunnel that was promised to residents ”“ to help keep students off the road ”“ apparently isn’t listed on UNE’s traffic moving permit and wasn’t taken into account when creating the designs. If residents hadn’t taken the time to discuss the plans with the MDOT representative, the tunnel issue may have been forgotten. Now it’s up to them to decide whether or not the tunnel was just lip service to residents who want the area to maintain its higher speed limits and avoid crossing safety issues.